Page 6 of Cementing Her Love

Colton threw down some bills to cover our meal and drinks. He was silent as he followed me out to my car. I really didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but it’s always better, to be honest. A lesson I’d learned after my ex left. I wasn’t closed off to having a new relationship. I was just going to be sure that the next man I let into my heart, and into Aria’s, was a hundred percent in with forever and becoming the father figure she’d never had.

I hadn’t planned on the evening ending on such a heavy tone. And I hadn’t expected Colton’s declaration, either. There was so much to think about.

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry.”

We both spoke at the same time, and I wish I could say that I wasn’t contemplating breaking all my rules to see where our attraction led. I just needed to be strong. And to forget how that kiss made me feel.

“I really am, Shayla. I was just thinking about us without looking at it from the parent angle. And that’s on me. But what I feel for you isn’t going to stop. I’m ready to wait and show you I’m the right guy for you and your daughter.”

“That’s a pretty bold statement coming from a confirmed bachelor.” The hope I’d heard in his voice did funny things to my lower belly, and I needed more space. I unlocked my car, then opened the door as I tried to hide my shaking hands. Colton was saying all the right things, and damn if I didn’t want to throw myself at him right now, plaster myself to all his hard angles and kiss him again.

Before I could get inside, he spoke.

“I made a promise to myself too, Shayla.”

His words made me pause. One foot in the car, one still on the pavement, I took the bait. “Oh. What was it?”

“I promised myself I wasn’t ever going to settle and get married, start a family just because I was getting older. That unless a woman stirred me to my very soul, made me forget my own name, and want to drag her to bed the moment I saw her, then no one would be good enough for me.”

“How do you know I’m that woman?”

“Go out with me, and I’ll show you.” Colton brushed his lips against mine, grinned, then turned and walked to his truck, whistling a familiar tune I couldn’t name.

Struck dumb again by how damn sexy his confidence was, I watched him walk away, wondering if I could take a chance on him, on us.

6

COLTON

Iwalked into my sister Thea’s backyard on Sunday and was immediately swarmed by a gang of toddlers. Poppy, the oldest of the trio, and Beau, who was barley toddling, were Thea and Brock’s kids, and then right behind them was Brenley’s mini-me, Allie, who launched herself into my arms. The other two were not having that and started jumping up and down.

“Up, up. Uncle Colt, pick me up!”

Hayden walked up to me, put his arms out to Allie, who happily snuggled into her father. “No candy this time, Uncle Colton. Otherwise, your sister will have a fit and the last thing I need is my very pregnant wife stressing over our amped up daughter.”

“Lesson learned, man. Its carrot sticks and raisins from now on. Scouts honor.” Then I took off with Poppy and Beau who were now securely tucked against me in football holds. One on each side. I ran the perimeter of the backyard and ended at the play set.

“Man, you were never a scout. From what Bren says, more like a scoundrel.” Hayden’s laughter reached me from where he stood next to the grill.

Allie wiggled out of Hayden’s arms to join us, and I spent the next twenty minutes pushing them all on the swing set.

Still breathing hard and even with all the physical activity at work, I’m not ashamed to admit I was a bit winded. Since retiring and starting up the business, I’d let my daily workouts go, thinking I’d get enough exercise working with cement. Which it was great for my major muscle groups, but I got little to no cardio. With a fourth niece or nephew on the way, I was going to have to up my game, especially if I wanted to keep my fun uncle title.

“You really should have one of those for yourself.” Brenley handed me a beer and settled in next to me.

I ignored her comment, because that was exactly what I was thinking. But I was more interested in finding what kind of stories she’d been telling her husband about me. “So why does Hayden think I’m some kind of player? You know me, sis. I’ve never led a woman on. My life until now wasn’t set up for a family.”

The kids saved her. “Mama, can we eat now?” The whine of hungry toddlers filled the air and right on cue, Brock called out. “Food’s ready! Where are my customers?”

Cries of “Me! Me!” and “I’m coming, Daddy!” rang out. And just like that, I was forsaken for hot dogs and potato chips.

Instead of following the troops, I wrapped an arm around Brenley’s shoulder and waited her out. “Don’t think because you're pregnant that I’m going to let you off the hook. So, what gives?”

She shifted her weight from foot to foot as she cradled her bump. “Okay, you know I hate gossip.”

“But….”

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